Amusement apparatus providing continuous wave motion

ABSTRACT

An amusement apparatus having a primary structure which receives and supports a first belt which spans in a longitudinal direction between belt supports and in a transverse direction; the first belt having an upper surface and an underside surface; a sub structure having at least two spaced apart pulleys which accommodate a secondary belt having inner and outer surfaces and which in use, travels about said at least two pulleys; the inner surface of the secondary belt engaging the at least two spaced apart pulleys. The outer surface of the secondary belt having at least one outstanding formation which engages the underside surface of the primary belt during at least part of travel of the secondary belt about said at least two pulleys, thereby inducing in the primary belt a contour which substantially conforms to the shape of said at least one formation of the secondary belt.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to amusement apparatus and equipment andmore particularly relates to the type of amusement apparatuses found inamusement parks, in public areas and the like. The invention furtherrelates to an amusement apparatus which includes a conveyor whichinteracts with moving formations to create undulations in a playingsurface thereby simulating ground contours, waves or rough terrains. Thepresent invention further relates to improvements in amusementapparatuses which are used by skateboarders, roller skaters and the likeand which simulate uneven ground to improve the realism of the amusementexperience. The present invention further relates amusement devices havea movable activity surface for use by roller boarders, skaters and thelike and which simulates on the surface undulations such as but notlimited to standing waves to better simulate riding or skating over mildor abrupt contours.

PRIOR ART

Amusement parks are increasing in popularity world wide and there is anon going need to continually improve the amusement experience. There arein existence a variety of theme and amusement parks which offer a widerange of apparatuses for amusements. Many amusement parks concentrate onwater sports while councils, public parks and the like provide fixedstructures to enable the public to participate at little or no costs.Known amusement apparatuses include surfaces for skateboarding includestationary half and quarter pipes and concreted, undulating skateboardparks. Such parks include mounds, rails and quarter pipes which can beskated upon by skateboarders. To fully utilise half pipes, for example,skateboarders must walk to a top edge of the half pipe section to skatedown its surface. To stay moving on the curved half pipe surface, theskateboarder must apply downward weight thrusts onto their skateboard toaccelerate down the pipe surface in order to make it up the other sideof a half pipe.

One example of a moveable activity surface is shown in U.S. Pat. No.4,423,864 which discloses a moveable activity surface designedspecifically for downhill snow skiers and involves a taut, flat conveyorbelt which moves about a hard board section, and is tilted to create adownhill surface. The skier can then ski down the belt, which movesagainst the direction of travel of the skier. The hard board sectionbelow the moving belt provides support for the belt when a skier usesthe apparatus.

Another example of an amusement apparatus was described in theapplicant's published application WO02094396 which discloses anamusement apparatus in which a conveyor provides a moveable activitysurface. The activity surface includes a superstructure having two ormore spaced apart belt supports mounted to the structure and allowingthe belt to extend between and move around the belt supports, such thata portion of the belt between two of the belt supports is slack. Theapparatus also includes a drive motor for imparting movement to thebelt.

Whilst the prior art devices are useful for their purpose for which theyare intended, there remains an ongoing need to constantly improve thenature and versatility of amusement devices and in particular to improvethe versatility of amusement apparatuses which have a moving surface tosimulate naturally induced forces during activity. There is a need toprovide useful alternatives to the known art to allow participants widerchoice of amusement.

Invention

The present invention provides improvements in amusement apparatuseswhich are used by skateboarders, roller skaters and the like and whichsimulate uneven ground to improve the realism of the amusementexperience. The present invention further provides an amusementapparatus which includes a conveyor which interacts with movingformations to create undulations in a playing surface thereby simulatingground contours, waves, rough terrains. The present invention furtherprovides an amusement device having a movable activity surface for useby roller boarders, skaters and the like and which simulates on thesurface undulations such as but not limited to standing waves to bettersimulate riding or skating over mild or abrupt contours.

In its broadest form the present invention comprises;

an amusement apparatus having a primary structure which receives andsupports a first belt which spans in a longitudinal direction betweensupports and in a transverse direction; the belt having an upper surfaceand an underside surface; a sub structure having at least two spacedapart pulleys which accommodate a secondary belt having inner and outersurfaces and which in use, travels about said at least two pulleys; theinner surface of the secondary belt engaging the at least two spacedapart pulleys; the outer surface of the secondary belt having at leastone outstanding formation which engages the underside surface of theprimary belt during at least part of travel of the secondary belt aboutsaid at least two pulleys, thereby inducing in the primary belt acontour which substantially conforms to the shape of said at least oneformation.

According to a preferred embodiment, the primary structure provides endanchorages for the primary belt and allows the belt to spanlongitudinally between the anchorages and transversely. The primary beltis arranged to allow for some flexibility between its longitudinal span.This allows the primary belt to undergo displacement induced byinteraction with formations on the secondary belt.

According to one embodiment, the outer surface of the secondary belt hasevenly spaced apart wave shaped formations which engage the undersidesurface of the primary belt to induce displacement in the belt whichsimulates periodic waveforms. One of the pulleys is a drive pulley andinduces travel of the secondary belt about the pulleys.

In another broad from the present invention comprises:

an amusement apparatus having a primary structure which receives andsupports a first belt which spans in a longitudinal direction betweensupports and in a transverse direction; the primary belt having an uppersurface and an underside surface; a sub structure having at least twospaced apart pulleys which accommodate a secondary belt having inner andouter surfaces and which in use, travels about said at least twopulleys; the inner surface of the secondary belt engaging the at leasttwo spaced apart pulleys; the outer surface of the secondary belt havinga plurality of outstanding wave formation which are arranged tosequentially engage the underside surface of the primary belt duringtravel of the secondary belt about said at least two pulleys; the waveformations thereby inducing in the primary belt a series of waves in theprimary belt by inducing local displacement in the primary belt.

In its broadest from the present invention comprises:

an amusement apparatus having a primary structure which receives andsupports a first belt which spans in a longitudinal direction betweensupports and in a transverse direction; the primary belt having an uppersurface and an underside surface; a secondary belt which travels aboutpulleys and having an underside surface which contacts the pulleys anupper surface which opposes the underside surface of the primary belt;the upper surface of the secondary belt having formations which contactthe underside of the primary belt and induce corresponding formations inthe primary belt by displacement of the primary belt as the secondarybelt rotates.

According to a preferred embodiment, there is a drive pulley whichdrives the secondary belt and an idler pulley. Preferably the formationsare sinusoidal, wave or dome shaped with the result that continuouswaves are induced in the primary belt as the secondary belt rotates. Thesecondary belt moves relative to the primary belt

Throughout the specification a reference to the term formation can betaken to mean a projection out from a plane of the secondary belt andextending partly or fully across the width of the secondary belt andincludes but is not limited to circular, dome, waveform or sphericalshapes. A reference to a pulley can be taken to mean a wheel, roller orequivalent

Primary and secondary belts are manufactured from a rubberised resilientflexible material which is capable of local distortion to accommodateand react to engagement with the formations.

The present invention provides an alternative to the known prior art andthe shortcomings identified. The foregoing and other objects andadvantages will appear from the description to follow. In thedescription reference is made to the accompanying representations, whichforms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustrationspecific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Theseembodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understoodthat other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes maybe made without departing from the scope of the invention. In theaccompanying illustrations, like reference characters designate the sameor similar parts throughout the several views. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the present invention is best defined by the broad description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those setforth above will become apparent when consideration is given to thefollowing detailed description thereof such description will now bedescribed in more detail according to a preferred but non limitingembodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art amusement device.

FIG. 2 shows a long sectional view of the amusement apparatus of FIG. 1FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an amusement apparatus according toone preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a long sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a right side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows with corresponding numbering a top view of the apparatus ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an amusement apparatus according toan alternative embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a skeletal structure for oneformation.

FIG. 9 shows a side elevation view of the structural profile of theamusement apparatus of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in more detail according toa preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to theaccompanying illustrations. The examples referred to herein areillustrative and are not to be regarded as limiting the scope of theinvention. While various embodiments of the invention have beendescribed herein, it will be appreciated that these are capable ofmodification, and therefore the disclosures herein are not to beconstrued as limiting of the precise details set forth, but to availsuch changes and alterations as fall within the purview of thedescription.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty which characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying illustrations anddescriptive matter in which there is illustrated various includingpreferred embodiments of the invention. A reference to a formationthroughout the specification can be taken to be a reference to a solidor space frame structure which has a surface which interacts with anunderside of an amusement surface provided by a belt or the like. Areference to a chain drive can be taken to include a reference to a beltdrive or some other form of drive which allows the formations to travelin a loop or otherwise continuously.

Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a perspective view of a prior artamusement apparatus 1 comprising a ground engaging superstructure 2which supports a moving belt 3. Belt 3 is fed over rollers (not shown)and is continuously rotated in the direction of arrow 5 when the poweris turned on. Upper surface 4 of apparatus 1 is smooth and remains soduring movement of belt 3.

FIG. 2 shows with corresponding numbering, a long sectional view of theamusement apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. Belt 3 is supported by an array ofrollers 6 some of which are idler pulleys and at least one a drivepulley. Belt 3 moves continuously over the pulleys and has sufficientrigidity to itself provide support but sufficient flexibility such thatit can bend around the rollers.

The present invention provides an alternative to this arrangement andenhances the amusement experience by more closely simulating the naturalenvironment and according to one embodiment to be described below,simulates wave motion on the upper surface of a primary moving belt.

FIG. 3 shows a largely schematic perspective view of an amusementapparatus 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.Apparatus 10 includes a support platform 11 which is ground mounted viasupport structure (not shown). It will be appreciated that the supportstructure employed will be determined by the ground environment in whichapparatus 10 is used. The structure would be designed to accommodateparticular site conditions. It will be understood that the particulararrangement of the preferred embodiment in relation to surroundingground level is non limiting, and in further embodiments the apparatuscan be elevated or oriented at different heights or angles. The supportstructure is made from materials of sufficient strength for supportingthe weight of the apparatus 10 including such features as sub frame,belts, rollers, drives. According to a preferred embodiment, apparatus10 includes a primary belt 12 terminating at either ends 13 and 14 inanchorages 15 and 16.

According to a preferred embodiment, a primary structure provides endanchorages for the primary belt 12 and allows the belt to spanlongitudinally between the anchorages and transversely. The primary belt12 is arranged to allow for some flexibility between its longitudinalspan, which allows the primary belt to undergo displacement induced byinteraction with formations on the secondary belt 23 as described below.Primary belt 12 remains fixed via its anchorages but has some slack orflexibility sufficient to allow local displacements. As shown belt 12has a series of wave crests 17 and troughs 18 which form a standing waveprofile in the belt 12.

FIG. 4 shows with corresponding numbering a right side long sectionalview of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 3. Beneath platform 11 is a conveyorassembly 20 including pulleys 21 and 22 about which secondary belt 23travels. Preferably either of pulleys 21 and 22 can be a drive pulley oran idler pulley. Alternatively both pulleys 21 and 22 can be drivepulleys. An anti-clockwise direction for the belt travel is preferred,but the conveyor assembly 20 can operate in the reverse (clockwise)direction. In the embodiment shown, secondary belt 23 moves in thedirection of arrow 24 about pulleys 21 and 22. Attached to secondarybelt 23 are a plurality of formations 25-37 which are preferably evenlyspaced along belt 23. Each formation shown is configured as a wave crestand which moves in unison with belt 23.

Preferably the formations are sinusoidal, curved, wave or dome shapedwith the result that continuous waves are induced in the primary belt 12as the secondary belt 23 rotates. In operation, formations 25-37 moveabout pulley 22 in an anticlockwise direction. As a formation 30approaches the 1 o'clock position on pulley 22 it engages an undersidesurface of belt 23. At the same time, formation 37 moves to the 10o'clock position on pulley 21 as it leaves/separates from primary belt12. Further rotation would locate formation 30 in the location forformation 29, and would put formation 25 at the position of formation 37and so on. As formations 25-29 are urged in the direction of arrow 40,this induces corresponding wave formations, shown as wave shapes, in theprimary belt 12.

As formations 25-37 engage belt 23, a potential friction is created. Toovercome this and to ensure smooth sliding between the outer surfaces ofthe formations and the underside surface of the secondary belt 23various available surfactants or industrial lubricants may be used toreduce or eliminate friction. The lubricant can be continually appliedto the surface during use or they can be applied after finite periods ofuse of apparatus 10.

A selected drive pulley/roller provides sufficient force against thebelt 23 in relation to the force applied/load on the belt by theengagement between formations 25-29 and underside of primary belt 12. Inan alternative embodiment, multiple rive rollers/pulleys can be employedand are operable separately or together to impart a drive force againstthe belt 23. In another embodiment, the drive roller/s are adapted withcircumferentially protruding teeth at or near one end of the rollerwhich in use engage with a row of holes located in an edge strip of thebelt 23. In such an embodiment, the rotation of the drive roller cancause the teeth to locate in the holes and to engage with the belt 23imparting movement. In this case the belt 23 is keyed to the pulleys 21and 22. Any number of spaced-apart belt support and drive rollers can beused to extend the length, attitude and orientation of the belt skatingsurface.

FIG. 5 shows with corresponding numbering a right side elevation view ofthe apparatus of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 shows with corresponding numbering a topview of the apparatus of FIG. 3.

Primary and secondary belts 12 and 23 are manufactured from a durableresilient flexible material which is capable of local distortion toaccommodate and react to engagement with the formations 25-37.Rubberised compounds are preferred but other materials suitable fortheir purpose are contemplated which have low friction such as but notlimited to artificial plastics.

In use, a user can skate along the surface 41 up and down the waveformations as the surface 41 advances in the direction of arrow 40. Theusers' movement is generated by navigating the crests 17 and troughs 18which are regularly created as the formations 25-29 advance underneaththe primary belt 12. This provides potentially a continuous ride for auser and a very different ride compared to that provided in the priorart.

This also provides the user with a simulation of surfing down the faceof wave repeated waves. The speed of movement of the belt 23 can bevaried to alter the riders skill and experience within the context ofexpected wave motions. The effort that is required to generate movementis removed so the user can have a continuous experience for as long asrequired. Other features which may be provided include an entry and exitwhich may include an on and off ramp so that the user can avoidcollision with other users.

The surface of belt 12 can be of different shapes other than a concavedepression or waveform. For example, the surface may be randomly shaped,textured, for example ribbed to provide additional challenges to skatersor riders. Further features include induced vibrations partially orfully across the play area. The apparatus may be used by otherparticipants such as grass skiers, snow boarders or skiers provided theactivity surface is adapted to suit different sports equipment.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an amusement apparatus 50 accordingto an alternative embodiment. Apparatus 50 includes a support platform51 which is ground mounted via an array of support frames 52 eachcomprising a transverse member 53 and support legs 54 and 55 dependingtherefrom. There are a plurality of support frames similar to supportframe 52 each including at least one transverse member. Thus supportframes 56, 57, 58, 59 will be of similar structure to frame 52. Theengineering details of frame assemblies 52, 55-59 can be design adjustedaccording to particular strength requirements of the particularamusement apparatus and its physical size. Also the support frameassemblies may be adjusted to suit the ground environment in whichapparatus 50 is used. The structure would be designed to accommodateparticular site conditions.

It will be understood that the particular arrangement of the preferredembodiment in relation to surrounding ground level is non limiting, andin further embodiments the apparatus can be elevated or oriented atdifferent heights or angles. The support structure is made frommaterials of sufficient strength for supporting the weight of theapparatus 50 including such features as sub frame, belts, rollers,drives. Each support frame is arranged with a spacing determined by thesize of the structure but typically a frame to frame spacing would be inthe order of 5 meters. The frames are typically portal frames andmounted thereon are purlins 60 which are laid along the structure.

Purlins 60 are typically spaced at 500 mm centers and may according toone embodiment, be lapped over internal beams and covered with at leastone layer of plywood. The purlins form a platform 72 along which theformations 61 travel. At end 62 of apparatus 50 is a bay structure 63defining a space 64 formed by spaced apart portal frames 65 and 66 whichare mutually braced by an array of struts 77. Frame 65 is preferablyhigher than frame 66. Attached to transverse member 68 of frame 65 is apivotally attached, preferably metallic frame 69 having a free end 70engaging platform 72. In use, formations 61 move along platform 72 inthe direction of arrow 73. In that view shown in FIG. 8, formation 74 isunderneath platform 72.

As the formations advance, formation 74 will adopt the position offormation 76 once it passes via frame 69 which displaces under theaction of formation 74 and once formation 74 has passed through space64, free end 70 engages platform 72. This process is repeatedcontinuously with each formation successively travelling in a full loopabout platform 72. The formations are connected to and driven by a drivechain whose tension is adjustable. A conveyor belt overlays formations61 (not shown for clarity) and as formations 61 travel along platform 72they induce waveforms into the conveyor, simulating moving waves.

A rider skating on the platform ‘rides” the moving wave until the end oftravel of the wave along the platform 72 or can elect to ride afollowing wave. Portal frame 52 co-operates with frame 80 to define aninternal space 81. A cover frame 82 is supported on tracks on both sidesof platform 72. Frame 82 is spring loaded to return to is rest positionafter each formation 61 has exited platform 72 and returns underneaththe platform. Formation 83 is shown located just prior to entry intospace 81 via frame 82 and eventually adopts the position of formation84. From there it undergoes a full revolution and the process isrepeated. The number of formations may be increased or decreasedaccording to requirements.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a skeletal structure for oneformation 90. Formation 90 comprises a space frame with a wave or wavelike contour viewed in profile. It will be appreciated that the profileshape of the formation may vary to adjust in wavelength and/oramplitude. It is contemplated that more gentle low profile formationsmaybe employed for a gentler wave or

FIG. 9 shows with corresponding numbering a side elevation view of thestructural profile of the amusement apparatus 50 of FIG. 7. From thisview it can be seen that space 64 includes a tail shaft/pulley 85 whichreceives a chain drive 99 on which formations 61 are mounted. Acorresponding shaft/pulley 86 is mounted in space 81 and allows thecontinuous feed of formations 61. Apparatus 50 includes a conveyor belt87 which is fixed at end 88 and opposite end 89. Belt 87 is sufficientlyflexible to allow formations 61 to displace the conveyor to enablesimulation of a standing wave.

According to a preferred embodiment, belt 87 spans longitudinallybetween the ends 88 and 89 and transversely. The primary belt 87 isarranged to allow for some flexibility between its longitudinal span,which allows the belt to undergo local displacements induced byinteraction with formations 61 on the chain drive 90. As shown belt 87has a series of wave crests 91 and troughs 92 which form a standing waveprofile in the belt 87.

Preferably, either of pulleys 85 and 86 can be a drive pulley or anidler pulley. Alternatively both pulleys 85 and 86 can be drive pulleys.Clockwise direction for the chain 99 travel is preferred, but theconveyor assembly 50 can operate in the reverse (anti clockwise)direction. Attached to chain 99 are a plurality of formations 74, 76, 6183, 84, 93-97 which are preferably evenly spaced along belt chain 99.Each formation shown is configured as a wave crest and which moves inunison with chain 90.

Preferably the formations are sinusoidal, curved, wave or dome shapedwith the result that continuous waves are induced in the primary belt 87as the chain drive 99 rotates. A variety of arrangements arecontemplated for the drive system including the chain drive to which arefixed the formations. Other drive systems include a belt which drives aconveyor which supports the formations not directly attached to thebelt. Thus the drive system may be disconnected from the formations suchthat the formations can be independent of the drive system orselectively engaged with the drive system when cyclic rotation of theformations is required in use. In this case a gearing system can beemployed with a clutch to disengage or engage the formations

As formations 74, 76, 61 83, 84, 93-97 successively engage belt 87, apotential friction is created. To overcome this and to ensure smoothsliding between the outer surfaces of the formations and the undersidesurface of the belt 87 various available surfactants or industriallubricants may be used to reduce or eliminate friction. The lubricantcan be continually applied to the surface during use or they can beapplied after finite periods of use of apparatus 50.

In an alternative embodiment, multiple rive rollers/pulleys can beemployed and are operable separately or together to impart a drive forceagainst the belt 87. In another embodiment, the drivepulleys/rollers/cogs 85 and 86 are adapted with circumferentiallyprotruding teeth at or near one end of the roller which in use engagewith a row of holes located in an edge strip of the belt 87. In such anembodiment, the rotation of the drive pulley roller can cause the teethto locate in the holes and to engage with the belt 87 impartingmovement. In this case the belt 87 is keyed to the pulleys 85 and 86.Any number of spaced-apart belt support and drive rollers can be used toextend the length, attitude and orientation of the belt skating surface.

Various embodiments are contemplated beyond those described in detailherein. The invention in general terms contemplates a rolling waveamusement device for the use of participants riding upon a wheeledapparatus. A flexible surface material overlies an underlying deck, inwhich moving profiled shapes driven directly or indirectly by a chain,belt drive or the like which urge the formations continuously along thedeck. The surface material is preferably fixed and has sufficientslackness to allows movement up and down. The surface material is of acalculated length to always be taut and never presenting a rippledsurface that could be hazardous to the participant. The surface materialis anchored at either end so as to not allow any travel in either the Xor Y directions.

The vertical movement in the third direction is imparted by a movingshape that runs in a direction parallel to and beneath the surfacematerial. The shape may be simply an elevated roller, allowing thesurface material to drape off either side or a more complex shape forexample a full wave shape. The moving shape is propelled along beneaththe surface material creating the effect of a moving wave by inducingrise and fall in the surface material. The moving shape or roller may beconnected in series to other shapes that may be of the same or ofdiffering sizes.

The moving formations may be connected to a continuous chain or othermaterial that is able to be driven continuously by a rotating drivesystem either at one end or both ends. The moving shape can be apermanent fixed shape or a shape that is made mechanically by elevatingand lowering sections of the moving formations. The moving shapes aresupported by a base structure that allows the surface material to besupported between the moving shapes. The moving shapes are moved beneathand parallel to the surface material by drive wheels at either end of ashaft and on either end of the apparatus driving a continuous chain orother connecting material. The driving chain is continuous around thedrive rollers.

By rotating in one direction, the chains supporting the formations iscontinuously pulled. The formations travel about the rollers which maybe made to mechanically rise as propelled beneath the surface materialto reduce the overall height of the machine. The rollers could be madeto rise and lower independently as they circulate around the apparatus,rising as they come from the underneath portion of the apparatus andretracting prior to them re-entering the underneath section of theapparatus. Participants on the amusement apparatus can enter on one endof the apparatus and be propelled to the other end where they alight.Ramps at either end are designed to manage the safe entry and exit tothe apparatus of the patrons.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred toherein, such reference does not constitute an admission that thepublication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, inAustralia or in any other country.

It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerousvariations and modification may be made to the invention broadlydescribed herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope ofthe invention.

The claims defining the invention are as follows:
 1. An amusementapparatus having a primary structure which receives and supports a firstbelt which spans in a longitudinal direction between belt supports andin a transverse direction; the first belt having an upper surface and anunderside surface; a sub structure having at least two spaced apartpulleys which accommodate a secondary belt having inner and outersurfaces and which in use, travels about said at least two pulleys; theinner surface of the secondary belt engaging the at least two spacedapart pulleys; the outer surface of the secondary belt having at leastone outstanding formation which engages the underside surface of theprimary belt during at least part of travel of the secondary belt aboutsaid at least two pulleys, thereby inducing in the primary belt acontour which substantially conforms to the shape of said at least oneformation of the secondary belt.
 2. An amusement apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein, the primary structure provides end anchorages for theprimary belt and allows the belt to span longitudinally between theanchorages and transversely across said at least pulleys.
 3. Anamusement apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the primary belt isarranged to allow for some flexibility between its longitudinal span. 4.An amusement apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the flexibility isdisposed axes in the transverse direction.
 5. An amusement apparatusaccording to claim 4 wherein the flexibility of the primary belt allowsthe primary belt to undergo displacement induced by interaction withformations on the secondary belt.
 6. An amusement apparatus according toclaim 5 wherein the displacement of the primary belt is in a directionnormal to a plane of the secondary belt.
 7. An amusement apparatusaccording to claim 6 wherein the outer surface of the secondary belt hasevenly spaced apart wave shaped formations which engage the undersidesurface of the primary belt to induce displacement in the belt whichsimulates periodic waveforms.
 8. An amusement apparatus according toclaim 7 wherein at least one of the pulleys is a drive pulley andinduces travel of the secondary belt about idler pulleys.
 9. Anamusement apparatus according to claim 8 wherein there is one drivepulley which drives the secondary belt and at least one idler pulley.10. An amusement apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the formationsare sinusoidal, wave or dome shaped.
 11. An amusement apparatusaccording to claim 10 wherein, the formations when moving relative tothe primary belt induce waveforms in the primary belt.
 12. An amusementapparatus according to claim 11 wherein the secondary belt is continuousand rotates continuously about the drive pulley and each other pulley.13. An amusement apparatus according to claim 12 wherein continuouswaves are induced in the primary belt as the secondary belt rotates. 14.An amusement apparatus having a primary structure which receives andsupports a primary belt which spans in a longitudinal and transversedirection between supports; the belt having an upper surface and anunderside surface; a sub structure having at least two spaced apartpulleys which accommodate a drive chain and which in use, travels aboutsaid at least two pulleys; the chain drive having a plurality of spacedapart formations which are arranged to sequentially engage the undersidesurface of the primary belt during travel of the chain drive about saidat least two pulleys; the wave formations thereby inducing in theprimary belt a series of waves in the primary belt by inducing localdisplacement in the primary belt.
 15. An amusement apparatus accordingto claim 14 wherein the chain undergoes revolutions to enable theformations to be continuously presented to the underside of the primarybelt.
 16. An amusement apparatus having a primary structure whichreceives and supports a primary belt which spans in a longitudinaldirection between supports and in a transverse direction; the primarybelt having an upper surface and an underside surface; a drive chain orbelt which travels about pulleys mounted on the primary structure; thechain drive having directly or indirectly connected thereto a pluralityof formations which contact the underside of the primary belt and inducecorresponding formations in the primary belt by displacement of theprimary belt as the chain drive advances the formations.
 17. Anamusement apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the formationscomprise a space frame having a shape selected from sinusoidal,waveform, parabolic, spherical, crescent or dome shapes.
 18. Anamusement apparatus comprising a primary support structure and mountedthereon at least one fixed belt, a drive belt which travels about beltsupport pulleys associated with the structure, formations mounted on thedrive belt which are capable of movement relative to and which engage anunderside of the at least one fixed belt; the engagement between theformations and the at least one belt inducing continuous waveforms in anupper surface of the at least one belt as the drive belt travels aboutthe pulleys.
 19. An amusement apparatus comprising a primary supportstructure and mounted thereon a fixed belt spanning between beltanchorages; a drive assembly including a continuous drive chain whichtravels about belt support pulleys associated with the structure,formations mounted on the drive belt which are capable of movementrelative to and which engage an underside of the fixed belt; theengagement between the formations and the fixed belt inducing continuouswaveforms in an upper surface of the belt; the waveforms allowing aboard rider to engage with the waveforms to simulate riding a slope orwave.